Stowaway scorpion strikes woman in Wellesley

A baby scorpion is responsible for stinging a woman unpacking from a vacation on Sunday.

Fire officials and paramedics were called to a Wellesley home at 3:30 p.m. for a report of a woman being stung by the creature. The scorpion had somehow stowed away in the victim’s luggage and traveled from Italy to Massachusetts.

Authorities said when the victim was unpacking, the scorpion became agitated and struck one of her feet.

"There was just a tiny little, little mark on her foot and she said it felt like a bee sting," said Wellesley firefighter Dana Gerrans.

The victim, who was not identified, was not seriously hurt and did not need to go to the hospital.

"The medics and the firefighters just monitored her in case of anaphylaxis, which can happen from these types of stings. And we had somebody looking the insect up to find out if it was poisonous, and we found out it’s not" Gerrans said.

The woman’s husband was able to capture the scorpion who then handed it over to firefighters. Authorities said it will most likely be given to a science center at Wellesley College.

Fire officials said steps can be taken to avoid unwanted critters when unpacking from a foreign destination.

"When you bring your clothes back, do not bring them in the house. Leave them in the garage, or wash them right away in hot water, or you'll wind up with a little friend," Gerrans said.

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